HIV PrEP In Pharmacies Pilot
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a pill that can be taken by HIV negative people to reduce their chances of getting HIV. When taken as directed, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by 99%, and it reduces the risk of getting HIV from injecting drugs by at least 74%.
PrEP is for anyone who may be at risk of HIV and is one of the most important tools in the global struggle to end new HIV infections. However, many individuals face barriers to accessing it. For example, in the UK, PrEP is normally only available from specialist sexual health clinics, and some people fear going to them because of social stigma, which unfortunately can still exist today. Recognising this, the researchers from NIHR ARC West and the University of Bristol are conducting a pilot to explore the acceptability and feasibility of PrEP availability via community pharmacies.
Graham Road pharmacy in Weston-super-Mare is participating in this pioneering program, and people interested in taking PrEP should visit them at 22 Graham Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1YA for more information, or for a free, confidential, and non-judgemental consultation.
The research so far has found that many people appreciate the convenience and discretion that pharmacies offer, and we urge you to access PrEP from Graham Road if you feel it may be of benefit, particularly if you do not feel comfortable visiting a sexual health clinic. Please watch the video about the pilot linked below, and read more information about it on the official pilot website here: NIHR ARC West.
National HIV Testing Week is between the 10th and 16th February this year. Learning about and discussing PrEP, as well as accessing it if you are eligible, enhances such initiatives to prevent new HIV transmissions.